Portuguese royal family visits DIU to strengthen global academic ties
Daffodil International University (DIU) welcomed His Royal Highness Dom Duarte Pio, Duke of Braganza and Head of the Portuguese Royal Household, to its Daffodil Smart City campus in Birulia, Savar, on Tuesday, 11 November 2025.
The visit featured several landmark events, including the signing of a Strategic Partnership Agreement with the London Tea Exchange (LTE); the announcement of Dr Md Sabur Khan, Founder and Chairman of DIU, as the Ambassador of Bangladesh for the Fair Pay Charter; and the signing of an MoU to establish the Duke of Braganza Youth Leadership & Service Programme – Bangladesh Chapter.
The Fair Pay Charter, initiated by the UK-based London Tea Exchange, promotes fair and equitable pay policies worldwide through collaborations with universities, corporations, and entrepreneurial networks.
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Under the new partnership, DIU and LTE will collaborate in academic, cultural, and skills-development initiatives focused on tea culture, entrepreneurship, and global trade. The collaboration includes launching a short course on Tea Mastering, introducing micro-credential and summer programmes, facilitating industry visits to tea estates, and establishing a Tea Corner at DIU to celebrate global tea heritage.
In a separate MoU, DIU and His Royal Highness Dom Duarte Pio launched the "Duke of Braganza Youth Leadership & Service Programme – Bangladesh Chapter" under the theme "Leadership Through Service". The initiative aims to nurture youth leadership, community service, sustainable tourism, and global citizenship, strengthening Portugal–Bangladesh ties in education, innovation, and cultural exchange. The Royal House of Portugal will provide royal patronage and certification, while DIU will serve as the National Secretariat, implementing workshops and youth empowerment programmes nationwide.
The visit also marked the inauguration of the Duke of Braganza Heritage Culinary Studio at DIU—a pioneering initiative promoting cultural exchange through culinary traditions and sustainable gastronomy.
Upon arrival, His Royal Highness was accorded a Guard of Honour, followed by a campus tour and interactions with faculty, officials, and students.
The event was chaired by Dr Md Sabur Khan, Founder and Chairman of the Daffodil Family and DIU. He said, "Daffodil has always been committed to building global educational connections. The visit of the Portuguese Royal Family, and the strategic partnership with the London Tea Exchange, will further strengthen Daffodil's international presence and open new opportunities for our students."
Professor Dr M R Kabir, Vice-Chancellor of DIU, added, "We are honoured to host His Royal Highness and to advance our commitment to global academic and cultural collaboration. This event marks a new chapter in DIU's international relations."
Among others present were H.R.H. Duchess Isabel Inês de Heredia, H.R.H. Prince Afonso de Santa Maria, Sir Sheikh Aliur Rahman, KGOR, KC, OBE, Group Chairman of London Tea Exchange; Professor Dr Mohammed Masum Iqbal, Pro-Vice Chancellor; Dr Hamidul Haque Khan, Treasurer; deans, faculty members, and students of DIU.
The day-long event concluded with a cultural programme showcasing Bangladesh's rich heritage, followed by a special luncheon in honour of the Portuguese Royal Family.
